Recommended sushi restaurants in Ibaraki, Japan

Recommended sushi restaurants in Ibaraki, Japan

Recommended conveyor belt sushi restaurants in Ibaraki, Japan

Characteristics of Ibaraki’s Cuisine

Sea and Mountains, History and Culture, and the Path to the Future: Ibaraki
Ibaraki Prefecture, located in the northeastern part of the Kanto region, is a fascinating area where rich nature and vibrant economic activities coexist. Its long coastline along the Pacific Ocean and beautiful landscapes created by mountains, including Mount Tsukuba, attract many tourists. In the vast plains, agriculture is thriving, and there are castle towns that tell the history of the Mito Domain, as well as cities lined with modern commercial facilities.
In recent years, with improved access from the metropolitan area and the effects of industrial promotion measures, Ibaraki Prefecture is becoming increasingly vibrant. It is making remarkable progress especially in fields such as information and communication technology and food processing.
Thus, Ibaraki Prefecture can be described as a charming region where diverse nature, history, and a vibrant economy harmonize.

History and Culture Nurtured by the Sea and Mountains
Ibaraki Prefecture boasts beautiful landscapes formed by its long coastline along the Pacific Ocean and mountains, including Mount Tsukuba.
Since ancient times, Ibaraki, blessed with rich nature, has numerous Jomon period archaeological sites. In ancient times, it prospered as Hitachi Province, where the provincial government office was established under the Ritsuryo system.
In the medieval era, the Satake clan, a family of the Kamakura samurai, became the protectors of Hitachi Province and built Mito Castle. During the Edo period, the Mito Domain flourished as one of the three branches of the Tokugawa family, and the “Dai Nihon Shi” compiled by Tokugawa Mitsukuni made a significant contribution to Japanese historical research.
Since modern times, Ibaraki Prefecture has focused on the development of education and industry, including Kodokan, the educational institution of the Mito Domain, and the construction of modern factories.
Thus, Ibaraki Prefecture is a region with rich nature and history, nurtured by the sea and mountains, and culture. In recent years, it has become increasingly vibrant due to improved access from the metropolitan area and the effects of industrial promotion measures.

Diverse Food Culture Produced by the Blessings of the Sea and Mountains
Ibaraki Prefecture, blessed with rich natural environments created by its long coastline along the Pacific Ocean and mountains, supports its food culture with diverse ingredients.
From the sea, fresh seafood such as monkfish, monkfish hot pot, smelt, whitebait, and clams are plentiful. From the mountains, dried sweet potatoes, lotus roots, konjac, and mushrooms add color to the dining table.
Also, Ibaraki Prefecture has a history of flourishing as a castle town of the Mito Domain, developing traditional preserved foods such as natto, dried natto, and pickled plums.
Recently, Ibaraki Prefecture’s branded ingredients have also increased. Hitachi beef, monkfish hot pot, dried sweet potatoes, lotus roots, and melons are among the foods that have received high evaluations nationwide, and Ibaraki’s food culture is attracting more and more attention.

The Sushi Culture Woven by the Blessings of the Sea and Mountains, and History
Ibaraki Prefecture, blessed with the natural environment created by its long coastline along the Pacific Ocean and mountains, is supported by fresh seafood and mountain blessings that sustain its sushi culture.
Ibaraki’s sushi culture, while influenced by Edomae sushi, has evolved uniquely.

• Monkfish sushi: Ibaraki Prefecture is famous for monkfish hot pots, but sushi using monkfish liver is also popular.
• Anko’s seven tools sushi: Sushi using the seven tools, or parts, of monkfish is a unique sushi found in Ibaraki Prefecture.
• Lotus root sushi: Ibaraki Prefecture, boasting the highest production of lotus roots in Japan, also has popular lotus root sushi.
• Natto sushi: Ibaraki Prefecture is said to be the birthplace of natto, and natto sushi is a staple.
• Dried sweet potato sushi: Ibaraki Prefecture, boasting the highest production of dried sweet potatoes in Japan, also has popular dried sweet potato sushi.
  Recently, sushi using Ibaraki Prefecture’s branded ingredients has also increased. Sushi with Hitachi beef, monkfish hot pot, dried sweet potatoes, lotus roots, and melons, which have received high evaluations nationwide, are also popular, and Ibaraki’s sushi culture is attracting more and more attention.

The Blessings of Ibaraki, A Variety of Specialty Products
Blessed with rich nature and a warm climate, Ibaraki Prefecture harvests an abundance of seafood and mountain delicacies. Here are some recommended specialty products:
【Seafood】

• Monkfish hot pot: A winter delicacy, monkfish hot pot represents Ibaraki Prefecture. Its plump flesh, crunchy skin, and the rich taste of its liver in miso are exquisite.
• Dried sweet potatoes: Boasting the highest production in the nation, dried sweet potatoes are a classic souvenir from Ibaraki Prefecture. They are characterized by their fluffy texture and gentle sweetness, which can be enjoyed as they are or used in snacks and dishes.
• Melon: Cultivated in the sea breeze, Ibaraki Prefecture’s melons are high in sugar content and juicy. In particular, the “Ibaraking” from Hokota City is famous nationwide.
  【Mountain Delicacies】
• Hitachi beef: Known as one of Japan’s three great Wagyu, Hitachi beef has a good balance of fat and lean meat and is tender. It can be enjoyed in various dishes such as steak and shabu-shabu.
• Lotus root: Boasting the highest harvest in Japan, lotus root is a representative agricultural product of Ibaraki Prefecture. Its crunchy texture and unique flavor make it versatile in various dishes, from stews to stir-fries.
• Natto: Developed as part of the food culture of the Mito Domain, natto is the soul food of Ibaraki Prefecture. It can be enjoyed with rice or in various dishes.
  In addition, Ibaraki Prefecture has many more attractive specialty products. Please visit Ibaraki Prefecture and enjoy its rich flavors.